Kayaker rescued in 92mph winds during Storm Floris.
A French kayaker was dramatically rescued from Loch Leven this week after capsizing in hurricane-force winds brought by Storm Floris.
The incident took place near Saint John’s Church, around a mile east of Ballachulish Bridge, as gusts reached up to 80 knots (92mph). The 24-year-old man, wearing neither a lifejacket nor cold-water protection, was spotted in the loch by the crew of Camilla Eslea, a workboat owned by Inverlussa Marine Services and operating under contract with salmon farming giant Mowi.
The vessel had just completed operations at Mowi’s Loch Leven site and was slow heading for safety as conditions worsened. By late morning, with winds already gusting at 64 knots, the crew witnessed the kayak overturn. The man was left clinging to it as he was blown further into the loch.
The crew immediately raised the alarm and initiated a full ‘Man Overboard’ response. The Camilla Eslea was brought into position and the individual, along with his kayak, was recovered within minutes. Though his paddle was lost, he was otherwise unharmed.
He was brought aboard, given dry clothes, warm food and drink, and closely monitored while high winds made an immediate return to shore impossible. He remained aboard until around 14:30, when staff from Mowi’s Loch Leven site collected him and brought him safely ashore. The Coastguard was kept informed throughout the operation.
